Michael Appleton is expected to be unveiled as Hibernian head coach in the coming days.
Eddie May has been in charge of the club since Neil Lennon's departure last month but he confirmed after Saturday's 3-1 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup that the game was his last in charge prompting speculation that Appleton will be Lennon's successor.
WHO IS APPLETON?
The one-time midfielder was a real star as a kid at Manchester United and while that didn’t work out, he had a fine career at Preston and then West Brom.
But he injured his knee at 25 and then after an operation, which should never have taken place, retired at 27. Appleton later successfully sued the surgeon for £1.5m.
His managerial career has been up and down; however, he enjoys a fine reputation and at only 43 has a wealth of experience.
Appleton has already been at Portsmouth, Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
HE PLAYED UNDER SIR ALEX FERGUSON AT MANCHESTER NITED
Very much so. And just because it’s been a while since Appleton was a player under Fergie, he still got the hairdryer.
The following came after he left Blackburn.
“I never said a word for half an hour. I went thinking he (Ferguson) would give me some advice and I got the biggest rollicking ever. He told me I had to do my due diligence when I went into roles. I needed to do my homework in terms of the squad and what it could achieve, that type of stuff. Because he said the truth about football management is you’re only as good as your players. And that was invaluable.”
HIBS IS A GOOD CLUB AND HE IS A GOOD MANAGER - THIS WILL BE INTERESTING
Appleton is a reasonable name and with Scott Allan coming back, money to spend, good young players such as Oli Shaw and Ryan Porteous to work with, this will be an intriguing watch.
AND WHAT OF HIBS' NEW BOY?
Marc McNulty, on loan from Reading, scored his first Hibs goal on Saturday and revealed he had had some sleepless nights.
“It has been a tough few days. The wee one got taken into hospital a few days ago and there have been some long nights at the hospital.
“His name is Freddie and thankfully he is all right now. He had a bit of pneumonia on his lungs and was struggling to breathe so he was rushed in and he had all the tubes and seeing your baby with all those tubes is a bit worrying. But the doctors and nurses at the Sick Kids were great and luckily he is ok and back home now.”
RAITH HAD THEIR MOMENTS
The League One side deserved their goal. Their big game is this Saturday, at home to Arbroath who are well clear at the top of League One. That’s a must win for the Fifers.
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